Midco communication agreement approved

At the Janesville council meeting the evening of Nov. 24, the council members approved a franchise agreement with Midcontinent Communications after some of their concerns were eased regarding whether the company was providing adequate staff to complete installing necessary lines. Public Works Director Joe Ziemke expressed that, if company staff is not able to complete work in a timely fashion, there would be a way to hire an outside contractor at Midco’s expense. 

 

“I want the council to be aware that it’s a huge task when they come in and want to do the whole town,” Ziemke stated.

 

When concerns were raised regarding marking locations of power, water, and sewer lines, Ziemke said he has a number of candidates for the task. City Clerk Sara Jo Vulcan gave assurance that the typical procedure is to mark existing buried lines about two weeks in advance of new installation, leaving plenty of time to address concerns. 

 

Waseca county commissioner De Malterer was present at the meeting and suggested that city staff in Waseca might be able to offer advice, given that similar line installations had been done there last summer.

 

She also expressed her personal support for “this particular bill and this particular ordinance” since she believes Janesville’s citizens will be grateful for access to consistent, high-speed service.

 

“I would urge you to work with Midco and other companies to make sure that your anchor institutions are well served such as your schools, your library, and your city hall,” Malterer commented.

 

She also shared her belief that reliable and affordable internet is fundamental for future economic development and  growth.

 

During the meeting, the council approved the future acquiring a 2017 MacQueen street sweeper, since the sweeper currently used by the city is nearly 30 years old and has registered 6,300 hours of operation.  Ziemke stated the sweeper would probably be delivered in March The unit in question will cost about $62,000 and has fewer than 2,500 hours of operation. He also stated it would receive an overhaul before being sold.

 

In response to a question from Councilor Ivan Maas, Ziemke revealed Janesville generally uses its sweeper for about 200 hours each year. 

 

“It’s also my anticipation that we will sweep more, being that we have a nice steel cap,” Ziemke said.

 

In related news, the council approved the sewer rate increase of $2.50 from $13 to $15.50 which would be effective in 2026. Arnoldt inquired why the base rate was the focus instead of the usage and Ziemke said it would be less of a shock.

 

In other matters Rogers shared good news about the insurance rates from the Minnesota League Insurance Trust which reported that property and casualty rates will decrease in 2026.

 

“Workers’ compensation is going to look at a significant reduction as well,” Rogers added. “Basically, I put the numbers we had budgeted for 2025 into the 2026 budget. We actually did see quite a huge savings with our insurance.”

 

Rogers shared he hadn’t yet heard about automobile premiums, but promised an update as soon as information is available.

 

Maas said if decreased workers compensation premiums had come about because of an especially strong safety record on the part of city employees, that should be mentioned.

 

“Statewide clams are down,” Rogers said. “A couple years ago the insurance trust significantly increased workers comp, especially with public safety positions. But now they’re falling back on those a little bit.”

 

In other news, the council approved the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) liability cover waiver and waiver boiler coverage. 

 

The council approved the Prairie Ridge Golf Course draft budget for 2026.